By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, Jan. 27 — While the “Battle of 340” on Saturday evening proved to be an overtime thriller won by the Bulldogs, one Panther stole the show and put on an offensive clinic in front a capacity crowd on his home court at Page County High School.
Page County sophomore Caden Combs lead all scorers with a season- and career-high 32 points, connecting on five of the Panthers’ eight three-pointers during the game and hitting 70 percent from the free throw line (7-for-10). It was one of the best individual performances this season in the region.
Combs scored 10 of Page’s 13 points in the second quarter, and 10 of the team’s 17 during the fourth quarter. It was during that final frame that the Panthers overcame a seven-point deficit to force overtime.
It was Combs who hit a basket with 2:10 remaining that brought Page within one at 50-49; a three-pointer at 1:40 that tied the game at 52-52; and a layup (off a steal and assist from sophomore Brandon Wright) that tied the game at 54-54 with 36 seconds left. After 32 minutes of play, that’s where the scoring would stop heading into overtime.
During the four-minute extra period, the lead would change five times. Combs added four more points with a free throw that gave Page the first lead in OT, and a three-pointer in the final seconds. Despite a two-point loss in overtime to a rival — and a team that just handed Madison its only district loss of the season — Combs’ performance was the best single effort on the court.
As if offering a nice set of bookends to a great performance for his home crowd, Coombs would hit the Panthers’ first and last baskets of the night — both from beyond the arc.
Next up, the Panthers travel to Clarke (6-2, 10-5) on Tuesday before hosting Madison (8-1, 11-6) on Wednesday.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
~ Athlete of the Week selected by publisher ~
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